Brad Kern Out as ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ Showrunner After Misconduct Investigations

Brad Kern has stepped down as showrunner for CBS’ “NCIS: New Orleans” following a pair of misconduct investigations conducted at the series’ studio. Kern had been accused of contributing to a hostile work environment.

Kern, who stays aboard as a consultant, will be replaced as the top executive producer by Chris Silber, who has been on the procedural since 2015.

“We were aware of these allegations when they took place in 2016, and took them very seriously,” CBS Television Studios said in a statement last year. “Both complaints were acted upon immediately with investigations and subsequent disciplinary action. While we were not able to corroborate all of the allegations, we took this action to address behavior and management style, and have received no further complaints since this was implemented.”

The investigation found that Kern had made “insensitive” and “offensive” comments to his coworkers. However, CBS concluded that there was no evidence of retaliation, harassment, discrimination or gender bias.

CBS mandated sensitivity training for Kern, and assured his staff that “appropriate” action had been taken to address the issues.

This time around, CBS Television Studios declined comment when reached by TheWrap.